Italy vs Türkiye Nations League Preview: Lineups, Predictions, and Key Facts

Italy Hosts Türkiye in UEFA Nations League Clash

Italy wraps up an extended international break by welcoming Türkiye to Bologna for their UEFA Nations League encounter on Monday. The two teams have met 14 times before, with Italy unbeaten in every match, winning 10 and drawing four since their first meeting in 1962.

The Azzurri returned to Euro 2020-winning coach Roberto Mancini after missing the World Cup again and enduring a turbulent summer. Their performances under Mancini’s second spell have had ups and downs, but they recently defeated Türkiye 4–1 and followed that with a draw against France.

Türkiye participated in last year’s World Cup but exited early after a poor group stage. The team has struggled since, losing three straight Nations League matches and conceding eight goals. Manager Vincenzo Montella faces pressure as the team looks to improve.

Match Prediction: Italy to Extend Dominance

Italy enters this fixture as heavy favorites. Türkiye’s defense has been vulnerable, missing key players like Kenan Yıldız and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Even promising talents such as Arda Güler from Real Madrid have not been able to turn things around.

Italy is in better shape, unbeaten in their last two games following the big win over Türkiye. They are expected to score multiple goals again at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

• Head-to-head: Italy has never lost to Türkiye, winning three of the last four matches and scoring three or more goals in those wins. The visitors' best recent result was a draw in Italy during 2024.
• Defensive struggles: Türkiye conceded goals in all their World Cup matches and shipped eight goals against Spain last year.
• Italy form: Despite missing the World Cup, Italy has won 10 of their last 14 games across all competitions.

Predicted Score: Italy 3–0 Türkiye

Expected Lineups

Italy is likely to keep most starters from their draw with France. Gianluigi Donnarumma should remain in goal, with Alessandro Bastoni anchoring the defense after scoring in the last two games. Fullbacks could be Michael Kayode and Riccardo Calafiori.

In midfield, Sandro Tonali, Davide Frattesi, and returning Nicolò Barella may start. Gianluca Mancini could replace Giorgio Scalvini in defense. Up front, the Esposito brothers, Pio and Sebastiano, alongside Moise Kean, are expected to lead the attack.

• Italy predicted lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Kayode, Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Frattesi, Tonali, Barella; S. Esposito, P. Esposito, Kean.

Türkiye must adjust due to suspensions. Star player Arda Güler and defender Barış Yılmaz will miss the match. Deniz Gül is expected to start upfront, possibly flanked by Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Yunus Akgün.

Salih Özcan might return to midfield to strengthen the defense.

• Türkiye predicted lineup (4-3-3): Çakır; Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu; Elmaz, Özcan, Yüksek; Akgün, Gül, Aktürkoğlu.

Match Details

• Location: Bologna, Italy
• Stadium: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara
• Date: Monday, October 5
• Kick-off Time: 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT / 7:45 p.m. BST
• Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
• VAR: Piotr Lasyk (Poland)

Broadcast Information

• United States: Fox Sports 2, fuboTV, ViX, Fox One
• Canada: DAZN Canada, TLN, fuboTV Canada, VIVA
• Mexico: Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+, izzi
• United Kingdom: Amazon Prime Video